Server rack architecture that facilitates reduced current density

ABSTRACT

A server rack with vertically stacked shelves is disclosed. The shelves are used for housing loads (e.g. servers) and power supply units. Thus, both the power supply units and the servers are vertically stacked in the rack. An array of vertical and horizontal busses is secured to the back side of the server rack to electrically couple the servers with the power supply units. The arrangement of the PSUs and the busses provides for uniform current density across the server rack. The devices placed on the shelves are accessible and serviceable from the front of the server rack. The server rack can be placed within or secured to a device, system or a server room in a vertical orientation, a horizontal orientation or at an angle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of, and claims priorityto, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/179,390, titled “Server RackArchitecture That Facilitates Reduced Current Density,” filed on Jun.10, 2016, which is a divisional application of, and claims priority to,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/798,759, titled “Server RackArchitecture That Facilitates Reduced Current Density,” filed on Mar.13, 2013. The disclosure of the foregoing application is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to server racks and more particularly tooptimizing current distribution by reducing current density within aserver rack.

BACKGROUND

Server racks are used to house multiple computer servers and otherrelated loads, and to provide power and communication signals to them. Aserver rack uses busses to distribute the current generated by powersupply units (PSUs) to the loads situated on various shelves of theserver rack. In conventional server rack architecture, the PSUs arelocated on either the top shelf or the bottom shelf of the server rack,and the current generated by them is distributed to the various loads byusing a vertical bus. The vertical bus location closest to the PSUs issubjected to maximum current density. The current density progressivelydecreases at vertical bus locations away from the PSUs. Conventionalserver rack architecture requires oversized busses that can support themaximum possible current density that can be generated by the PSUs.Oversized busses are undesirable because they require more space andincreased material costs than smaller busses.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the specification inorder to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of thespecification. This summary is not an extensive overview of thespecification. It is intended to neither identify key or criticalelements of the specification nor delineate any scope of particularaspects of the specification, or any scope of the claims. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts of the specification in a simplifiedform as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presentedlater.

According to an implementation of the subject disclosure, a server rackhaving vertically stacked shelves and vertically stacked PSUs isdisclosed. Two vertical busses are secured to the back side of theserver rack and are located substantially at the left and right sides ofthe server rack respectively. Multiple horizontal busses, that areparallel to each other, are coupled between the two vertical busses.Each horizontal bus is coupled to two PSUs and to one or more servers.The server rack as a whole can be oriented in a device, system or roomvertically, horizontally or at an angle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Numerous aspects, implementations, objects and advantages of the presentinvention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detaileddescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a server rack, according to animplementation of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of a server rack having vertical bus barsand horizontal busses.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of a server rack having dividedhorizontal busses.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of a server rack having divided verticalbus bars and divided horizontal busses.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of a server rack having a centralvertical bus bar.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of a server rack having a dividedvertical bus bar.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary graphical representation of a batterypower module for use in a server rack demonstrating architecture forenhanced power distribution.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary isometric graphical representation of abattery power module and a server rack.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method for assemblingan efficient server rack.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example methodology for hot swapping a serverrack component.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary graphical representation of a serverrack including separable racks for housing PSUs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of the subject disclosure are described below withreferences to the above drawings, wherein like reference numerals areused to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description,for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. Itis to be appreciated, however, that the subject disclosure can bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order tofacilitate describing the subject disclosure.

As discussed herein, the terms N, N+1 and N+M are used herein accordingto their ordinary meanings. Also, N, N+1 and N+M are usedinterchangeably herein. M can be 0 or 1 or another integer number. Asdiscussed herein, components are coupled to one another securely, hingedor removably. Secure and hinged are used with their usual meanings.Removable coupling includes any fastening that provides lateralstability without being permanently fixed. For example, removablycoupled components can be removed using a single tool, such as ascrewdriver. In a nonlimiting implementation, removable coupling caninclude mere placement of a component on top of a shelf, whereby gravityand friction or physical objects such as other components providelateral stability. In a nonlimiting implementation, removable couplingincludes the use of a tray that slides. Other nonlimiting examples ofsecure or removable coupling include adhesives, screws, clips, clamps,interference fits and pins.

As discussed herein, hot swappable means the power supply units can beremoved during continuous operation of the other components on theserver rack. By having components that are removably coupled, the serverrack architecture disclosed herein facilitates components being hotswappable. As discussed herein, a load is a device that uses electricalpower or communications from the server rack and is electrically coupledto other components on the server rack. The terms server, load, andcomponent as used herein, are interchangeable. In a nonlimitingimplementation, a video monitor is the load. In a non-limitingimplementation, multiple servers or loads are placed on each shelf in aserver rack.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary front view of a server rack 100. Theserver rack 100 includes two side posts (105 ₁ and 105 ₂) which arevertically oriented and contain compartments for housing power supplyunits. A first shelf (110 ₁) is securely coupled to and located towardthe upper ends of the posts (105 ₁ and 105 ₂). The first shelf (110 ₁)can extend into the posts (105 ₁ and 105 ₂) and create the compartmentsfor housing the PSUs (120 ₁, 120 ₂). A second shelf (110 ₂) is securelycoupled to the posts (105 ₁ and 105 ₂) and is generally located belowthe first shelf (110 ₁). It is to be understood that any number ofshelves (110 _(N)) can be coupled to the posts (105 ₁ and 105 ₂) andlocated above or below other shelves (110 ₁, 110 ₂, 110 _(N)) in therack 100. Furthermore, it is to be understood that any type of securecoupling can be used to attach shelves (110 ₁, 110 ₂, 110 _(N)) to posts(105 ₁ and 105 ₂) in a way that fixes their location and providesstructural rigidity to the server rack 100.

Servers (130 ₁, 130 ₂, 130 _(N)) are placed on top of the shelves (110₁, 110 ₂, 110 _(N)) respectively and generally placed at the center oftheir respective shelves, equidistant from the first and second sides.Each shelf (110 ₁, 110 ₂ or 110 _(N)) can house one or more servers(e.g. 130 ₁) of same or different form factors. The servers (e.g. 130 ₁,130 ₂, 130 _(N)) can be removably coupled to the shelves (110 ₁, 110 ₂,110 _(N)). In nonlimiting implementations, a load (e.g. 130 ₁ can alsoinclude any combination of appliances, data center components, serversystem components, communication components, AC components, DCcomponents and electronic devices.

The power supply units (or modules) (120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃, 120 ₄, 120_(M+1)) include power converters and backup power sources. In animplementation, the power distribution units controllers (e.g. 140 ₁ and140 ₂) provide an AC fuse function or circuit breaker function and areremovably coupled to a power control shelf (145) of the server rack 100.Furthermore, removable coupling allows the PDUs (140 ₁ and 140 ₂) to behot swappable. In an implementation, the power control shelf (e.g. 145)is located above the first shelf (110 ₁). In an implementation, the PDUs(140 ₁ and 140 ₂) provide the initial AC power input connection for theserver rack 100. In an implementation, the PDUs (140 ₁ and 140 ₂) areelectrically coupled to the power supply modules (120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃,120 ₄, 120 _(M+1)). In an implementation, the power supply modules (e.g.120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃, 120 ₄, 120 _(M+1)) convert AC input to DC output.In an implementation, power supply modules (e.g. 120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃,120 ₄, 120 _(M+1)) are mounted separate and external to server rack 100.

In an implementation, power supply modules (e.g. 120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃,120 ₄, 120 _(M+1)) are electronic assemblies of batteries coupled topower converters. In an implementation, the power supply modules (e.g.120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃, 120 ₄, 120 _(M+1)) are removably coupled to theshelves (e.g. 110 ₁, 110 ₂, 110 _(N)). Removable coupling allows thepower supply modules (e.g. 120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃, 120 ₄, 120 _(M+1)) to behot swappable. Power supply modules (e.g. 120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃, 120 ₄,120 _(N), 120 _(M+1)) are electrically coupled to loads (e.g. 130 ₁, 130₂, 130 _(N)). Power supply modules (e.g. 120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃, 120 ₄, 120_(M), 120 _(M+1)) invert or transform AC or DC input into AC or DCoutput for use by the loads (e.g. 130 ₁, 130 ₂, 130 _(N)). The serverrack 100 can be placed inside or attached to a system, device or room atvarious orientations including vertically, horizontally or at an angle.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view 200 of the power distribution componentsin an exemplary server rack. Viewed from the back side of the serverrack 100, an array of electrical distribution busses (including e.g. 250₁, 250 ₂, 260 ₁, 260 ₂, 270 ₁ and 270 _(N)) is securely coupled to theserver rack 100. The power supply modules (e.g. 120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120_(M+1)) are coupled to horizontal busses (e.g. 260 ₁, 260 ₂, 260 ₃, 260₄, 260 _(M) and 260 _(M+1)) as shown. Busses (260 ₁, 260 ₂, 260 ₃, 260₄, 260 _(M) and 260 _(M+1)) are securely coupled to vertical bus bars(250 ₁, 250 ₂) as shown. Vertical bus bars (250 ₁ and 250 ₂) are alsocoupled to busses (270 ₁, 270 ₂ and 270 _(N)) and to the servers (130 ₁,130 ₂, 130 _(N)). In an implementation, power cables are used in placeof bus bars (250 ₁, 250 ₂). In this disclosure, bus bars can be replacedwith less rigid busses; for example, busses made of short lengths ofcables having lugs and/or locations for forming bolted interconnections.As shown, power supply modules (e.g. 120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃, 120 ₄, 120_(M+1)) are coupled to distribution busses (e.g. 260 ₁, 260 ₂, 260 ₃,260 ₄, 260 _(M+1)).

The server rack architecture of FIG. 2 provides an uniform distributionof current along the various power distribution busses (including e.g.250 ₁, 250 ₂). Uniform current distribution results from placing thepower supply modules (120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃, 120 ₄, 120 _(M+1)) near theloads (e.g. 130 ₁, 130 ₂, 130 _(N)). Lower current density results fromsupplying each load (e.g. 130 ₁) with the current from one or two powersupply modules (e.g. 120 ₁ and 120 ₂) through their respective busses(e.g. 250 ₁, 250 ₂, 260 ₁, 260 ₂ and 270 ₁). As a result, the busses(including e.g. 250 ₁, 250 ₂, 260 ₁, 260 ₂ and 270 ₁) can be a ofsmaller size to accommodate this uniform and lower distribution ofcurrent density. Conventional server rack designs have the currentconcentrated at the top or at the bottom of the server rack. As such,all of the current used by the loads in the rack flows through a singlepoint, and is then distributed along the rack. Conventional architecturerequires the bus to be sized for the largest current load. The subjectdisclosure allows for smaller bus sizes, which results in reducedmaterial costs. Another benefit of using the server rack architectureshown in FIG. 2 is the improved isolation of component failures. Forexample, having multiple power supply modules (e.g. 120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃,120 ₄, 120 _(M), and 120 _(M+1)) and common connecting busses (e.g. 250₁ and 250 ₂) provide redundancy that prevents failure of the entire rack100 upon failure of an individual component. This reduces the size ofthe effect of certain catastrophic failures on the rack. For example, ifone power supply (e.g. 120 ₁) was to fail, it would not cause the entireserver rack to fail because the other power supplies (e.g. 120 ₃, 120_(M)) in the rack would remain in operation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view 300 of the power distribution componentsin an exemplary server rack having divided horizontal busses. As shown,the power supply modules (e.g. 120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃, 120 ₄, 120 _(M+1),120 _(M+1)) are coupled to busses (e.g. 360 ₁, 360 ₂, 360 ₃, and 360 ₄,360 _(M), 360 _(M+1)). Busses are coupled to the vertical bus bars 350 ₁and 350 ₂ respectively. Vertical bus bar 350 ₁ is coupled to busses 370₁, 370 ₃, 370 _(M). Vertical bus bar 350 ₂ is coupled to busses 370 ₂,370 ₄, 370 _(M+1). Busses 370 ₁, 370 ₃, 370 _(M) are coupled to servers330 ₁, 330 ₃, 330 _(N) respectively. Busses 370 ₂, 370 ₄, 370 _(M+1) arecoupled to servers 330 ₂, 330 ₄, 330 _(M+1) respectively. Two servers(e.g. 330 ₁ and 330 ₂) are placed on top of a shelf (e.g. 110 ₁). Twoservers (e.g. 330 ₃ and 330 ₄) are placed on top of another shelf (e.g.110 ₂). The servers (e.g. 330 ₁ and 330 ₂) are placed generallyequidistant from the center of the rack 100 towards the left and rightposts (105 ₁ and 105 ₂). Each of the benefits of using the server rackarchitecture shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are common with the serverarchitecture shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, dividing the bus barshorizontally (e.g. 370 ₁, 370 ₂, 370 ₃, and 370 ₄, 370 _(M), 330 _(M+1))increases the isolation of failed load components.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view 400 of the power distribution componentsin an exemplary server rack having both vertically and horizontallydivided busses. Vertical bus bars (e.g. 450 ₁ and 450 ₂) are locatedabove vertical bus bars (e.g. 450 ₃ and 450 ₄) respectively. Eight (8)power supply modules (120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃, 120 ₄ and 420 ₁, 420 ₂, 420₃, 420 ₄) are coupled to eight horizontal busses (360 ₁, 360 ₂, 360 ₃,360 ₄ and 460 ₁, 460 ₂, 460 ₃, 460 ₄) respectively. As shown, busses 360₁, 360 ₂, 360 ₃, and 360 ₄ are coupled to vertical bus bars 450 ₁ and450 ₂. Also, as shown, busses 460 ₁, 460 ₂, 460 ₃, 460 ₄ are coupled tovertical bus bars 450 ₃ and 450 ₄. Vertical bus bars 450 ₁ and 450 ₂ arecoupled to busses 370 ₁, 370 ₂, 370 ₃, 370 ₄. Vertical bus bars 450 ₃and 450 ₄ are coupled to busses 470 ₁, 470 ₂, 470 ₃, 470 ₄. Busses 370₁, 370 ₂, 370 ₃, 370 ₄, are coupled to servers 330 ₁, 330 ₂, 330 ₃, 330₄. Busses 470 ₁, 470 ₂, 470 ₃, 470 ₄ are coupled to servers 430 ₁, 430₂, 430 ₃, 430 ₄. Each of the benefits of using the server rackarchitecture shown in FIG. 3 is common to the server architecture shownin FIG. 4. Furthermore, dividing the bus bars both horizontally andvertically further increases the isolation of failed load components.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view 500 of an exemplary server rack having acentral vertical power distribution bus. An array of electricaldistribution busses (e.g. 550 ₁, 560 ₁, 560 ₂, 570 ₁, 570 ₂) is securelycoupled to the server rack 100 shown in FIG. 1 and is located at therear side of the server rack. Two power supply modules 120 ₁ and 120 ₂are coupled to the buss 560 ₁. Two power supply modules 120 ₃ and 120 ₄are coupled to the buss 560 ₂. Busses (e.g. 560 ₁, 560 ₂) are coupled tovertical bus bar (e.g. 550 ₁). A central vertical distribution bus (e.g.550 ₁) is generally located centered between the first and second sides.Vertical bus bar (e.g. 550 ₁) is coupled to horizontal busses (e.g. 570₁ and 570 ₂). Bus 570 ₁ is coupled to server 530 ₁. Bus 570 ₂ is coupledto server 530 ₂. The two servers 530 ₁ and 530 ₂ are placed on top ofthe shelves 510 ₁ and 510 ₂ respectively. The servers are placedgenerally centered, equidistant from the first and second sides. Each ofthe benefits of using the server rack architecture shown in FIG. 2 iscommon with the server architecture shown in FIG. 5. However, thearchitecture shown in FIG. 5 utilizes less bus materials by having thesingle vertical bus.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view 600 of an exemplary server rackdemonstrating architecture including multiple, central, verticaldistribution busses (e.g. 550 ₁, 650 ₂). Viewed from the back side ofthe server rack 100, an array of electrical distribution busses (e.g.550 ₁, 650 ₂, 560 ₁, 560 ₂, 570 ₁, 570 ₂, 660 ₁, 660 ₂, 670 ₁, 670 ₂) issecurely coupled to the server rack 100 at the rear side of the serverrack. Four (4) power supply modules 120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃, 120 ₄ arecoupled to horizontal busses 560 ₁, 560 ₂. Four (4) power supply modules620 ₁, 620 ₂, 620 ₃, 620 ₄ are coupled to horizontal busses 660 ₁, 660₂. Busses 560 ₁, 560 ₂ are coupled to vertical bus bar 550 ₁. Busses 660₁, 660 ₂ are coupled to vertical bus bar 650 ₁. Vertical bus bars (550₁, 650 ₁) are generally located centered between the first and secondsides. The first vertical bus bar (550 ₁) is located above secondvertical bus bar (e.g. 650 ₂). Vertical bus bars 650 ₁, 650 ₂ are alsocoupled to horizontal busses (e.g. 570 ₁, 570 ₂, 670 ₁, 670 ₂). Busses570 ₁, 570 ₂, 670 ₁, 670 ₂ are coupled to servers (e.g. 130 ₁, 130 ₂,630 ₁, 630 ₂). Four (4) servers (e.g. 130 ₁, 130 ₂, 630 ₁, 630 ₂) areplaced on top of shelves (e.g. 510 ₁, 510 ₂, 610 ₁, 610 ₂). The serversare placed generally centered, equidistant from the first and secondsides. Each of the benefits of using the server rack architecture shownin FIG. 5 is common with the server architecture shown in FIG. 6.Furthermore, the architecture shown in FIG. 6 provides for additionalcomponent isolation by dividing the vertical bus.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary graphical representation 700 of a powersupply unit. In an implementation, each power supply module 710 _(N)includes a battery 725 _(N) (or another type of energy storage devicethat can be used as a backup power source) and a power converter withuninterruptable power supply 720 _(N). Each battery 725 _(N) isremovably coupled to a power converter 720 _(N). The battery 725 _(N) isaccessible from the front side of the server rack 100 and can be removedfrom the front side of the server rack 100. Removable coupling of thebattery 725 _(N) includes mechanical and electrical coupling.

In an implementation, the power supply module 710 _(N) receives AC inputfrom an AC source 735 through distribution lines 730 _(N). The powersupply module 710 _(N) provides AC or DC output through distributionlines 740 _(N). In another implementation, the power supply module 710_(N) receives DC input from a DC source 735 through distribution lines730 _(N). The power supply module 710 _(N) provides AC or DC outputthrough distribution lines 740 _(N). Output distribution lines 740 _(N)include busses and bus bars. Furthermore, each power supply module 710_(N) sends and receives digital communication through communicationlines 750 _(N) from a controller 770. In various implementations powerinputs and outputs are all AC, or all DC, or a combination thereof. Itis to be understood that any combination of electrical inputs andoutputs can be used with the server rack architecture 100 and with thepower supply modules outlined herein. The power lines 730 _(N) and 740_(N) and the communication lines 750 _(N) can be implemented by using apower strip 780. The power strip 780 can be vertically secured to theback of the server 100. The power strip 780 distributes both AC and DCpower and also facilitates communication between the host 770 and thePSUs (e.g. 710 _(N)).

One of the benefits of the power supply module shown in FIG. 7 isimproved serviceability. By locating the battery 725 _(N) in front ofthe power converter 720 _(N), the battery 725 _(N) is made moreaccessible from the front of the server rack 100. By having a removableconnector between the battery 725 _(N) and the power converter 720 _(N),the battery 725 _(N) can be hot swapped. By having the AC 730 _(N), DC740 _(N) and digital communication lines connected to the power supplymodule 710 _(N) from the back side of the server 100, the serviceabilityof the module 710 _(N) is made easier. Furthermore, having the AC 730_(N), DC 740 _(N) and digital communication lines coupled to the powersupply module 710 _(N) from the back side of the rack 100 facilitatesthe use of the bus components and server rack architecture describedherein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary isometric graphical representation 800of a PSU tray and a server rack. In an implementation, the PSU tray 810_(N) includes four vertically oriented sides and a bottom. Each of thefour vertical sides is coupled to one another at two edges. Each of thefour vertical sides is coupled to the edges of the bottom. Innonlimiting implementations, the sides and bottom can be coupledpermanently, removably, or hinged as mentioned in this description. Thewalls and bottom can be of rigid or flexible materials. The walls can beof any shape. In one implementation, the vertical walls are shaped withcutouts to accommodate manipulation of the power supply module. In animplementation, the tray 810 _(N) includes details that allow users tograsp the tray from the front of the server rack 100 and remove the trayand a power supply module (e.g. 120 ₁). Nonlimiting examples of thesedetails are handles, knobs or hooks. The details can be mounted to thetop, front, first side or second side of the trays. In animplementation, a side is located at the rear of the tray. This rearside may be of any height. In an implementation, removable coupling ofthe batteries includes the use of a tray 810 _(N) having interiordimensions such that a power converter 720 and a battery 725 would fitwith minimal clearance and be mechanically retained by any two opposingsides of the tray. It is to be understood that the battery 725 is onlyone type of backup power source that can be used. Other types of energystorage devices can be used as backup power sources.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method for assemblinga server rack. According to the methodology shown in the flow diagram900, at 910, shelves (such as 110 ₁, 110 ₂, and 110 _(N) as shown inFIG. 1) are stacked vertically to form the rack. At 920, a first server(such as 130 ₁ as shown in FIG. 1) is located between the first andsecond power supply modules (such as 120 ₁ and 120 ₂ as shown in FIG. 1)on a first shelf (such as 110 ₁ as shown in FIG. 1). At 930, a secondserver (such as 130 ₂ as shown in FIG. 1) is located between the thirdand fourth power supply modules (such as 120 ₃, 120 ₄ as shown inFIG. 1) on a second shelf (such as 110 ₂ as shown in FIG. 1).

At 940, a first bus bar (such as vertical bus 250 ₁ as shown in FIG. 2)is connected to first and third power supply modules (such as 120 ₁ and120 ₃ as shown in FIG. 2). At 950, a second bus bar (such as verticalbus 250 ₂ as shown in FIG. 2) is connected to second and fourth powersupply modules (such as 120 ₂ and 120 ₄ as shown in FIG. 2). At 960, thefirst bus bar (such as vertical bus 250 ₁ as shown in FIG. 2) isconnected to a first server (such as 130 ₁ as shown in FIG. 2) to supplyvoltage and current to the first server. At 970, the second bus (such asvertical bus 250 ₂) is coupled to a second server (such as 130 ₂ asshown in FIG. 2) to supply voltage and current to the second server.

A benefit of using the method of server rack assembly 900 is theresulting more uniform distribution of lower current density along thevarious power distribution busses (such as 250 ₁, 260 _(M) and 270 _(M)shown in FIG. 2). Uniform current distribution results from placing thepower supply modules (such as 120 _(N) shown in FIG. 2) near the loadse.g. 130 _(N) shown in FIG. 1). Lower current results from supplyingeach load (such as 130 _(N) shown in FIG. 2) with the current from oneor two power supply modules (such as 120 _(N) shown in FIG. 2) throughtheir respective busses (such as 250 ₁, 250 ₂, 260 _(N+1) and 270 _(M)shown in FIG. 2). Busses (such as 250 ₁, 260 _(M) and 270 _(N) shown inFIG. 2) can be a smaller size and adequately accommodate this uniformdistribution of lower current density. Another benefit of using themethod of assembling server rack architecture shown in FIG. 9 is theimproved accessibility to the power supply modules (e.g. 120_(1 thru M+1) shown in FIG. 2). Being located to the first and secondsides and distributed vertically, the power supply modules (120_(1 thru M+1)) are accessible from the front side of the server rack 100shown in FIG. 1. Another benefit of the method of assembling a serverrack shown in FIG. 9 is that multiple power supply modules (e.g. 120_(1,2,3) shown in FIG. 2) are attached to the common bus bars 250 ₁ and250 _(2.) and the servers (e.g. 130 _(N)) shown in FIG. 2. This providesfor a redundancy of power. It is to be understood that the rack can beplaced or positioned inside a computer system, a device or a server roomvertically, horizontally or at an angle. It is to be understood that ifthe rack is positioned horizontally or at an angle, the devices on therack must be secured to the shelves such that they don't slide or falloff the rack because of gravity. It is also to be understood that thevarious shelves and busses of the server rack can be positioned atdifferent angles.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example methodology for hot swapping a serverrack component. According to the construction methodology flow diagram1000, at 1010, a component requiring service is identified. Service asused herein can include, for example, repair, replacement or inspection.At 1020, the component requiring service is removed from the rack. Tothat end, the component requiring service is turned off and no othercomponents in the rack are turned off. Turning off includes, forexample, pushing buttons or sending control signals that deactivate theoperations of the component. The primary advantage of hot swapping isthat a component is removed and replaced from a system of componentswithout affecting the operation of the other components. The server racksystem 100 as discussed herein facilitates hot swapping PDUs (e.g. 140 ₁shown in FIG. 1) power supply modules (e.g. 120 _(N) shown in FIG. 1)and servers (e.g. 130 _(N) shown in FIG. 1). It is to be understood thatother components can be added to the server rack 100 and can be hotswappable. The component requiring service is also mechanicallydisconnected from the rack. Mechanical disconnection includes thedisassembly of any of the mechanical couplings discussed herein. Priorto or after mechanically disconnecting the component, the componentrequiring service is electrically disconnected from the rack. Electricaldisconnection includes disassembly of any of the electrical couplingsdiscussed herein. At 1030, a new, repaired or replacing component iselectrically, mechanically and/or programmatically connected to therack. Mechanical reconnection includes returning the component to itsshelf, tray or otherwise placed into the rack. At 1040, the component isturned on and its operation commences.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary graphical representation 1100 of aserver rack with removable PSUs racks. A server component rack 1104 issupported by four corner posts or two sides, vertically oriented todefine four sides including a front, a back and two additional sides.The server component rack 1104 houses and physically supports loadcomponents (e.g. 1130 _(N), 1133 _(N) and 1136 _(N)). A PSUs rack 1108is also shown that houses and physically supports PSUs and relatedcomponents (e.g. 1140 _(N) (e.g. a PDU), 1150 _(N) (e.g. a bus) 1120_(N), (e.g. a PSU)). Additionally, the PSUs rack (or power componentsrack) 1108 has multiple wheels or casters 1180. The wheels 1180facilitate the movement of the power component rack 1108 independentlyof server component rack 1104.

The PDU 1140 _(N) receives external AC (or DC) voltage and current, andcontrols the flow of the input current (e.g. by using fuses or circuitbreakers). Power control modules 1140 _(N) are connected to power supplymodules 1120 _(N). Bus bars 1160 _(N) are coupled to power supplymodules 1120 _(N) and vertical bus bars 1150 _(N). Bus bars 1170 _(N)are coupled to vertical bus bar 1150 _(N) and loads (e.g. 1130 _(N),1133 _(N) and 1136 _(N)). In an implementation, bus bars 1170 _(N) aresecurely coupled to vertical bus bars 1150 _(N) and removably coupled tothe loads (e.g. 1130 _(N), 1133 _(N) and 1136 _(N)) such that bus bars1170 _(N) generally travel as parts of the power component rack 1108. Inan implementation, bus bars 1175 _(N) are securely coupled to the loads(e.g. 1130 _(N), 1133 _(N) and 1136 _(N)) and removably coupled to thevertical bus bars 1150 _(N) such that the bus bars 1175 _(N) generallytravel with the loads.

The advantages of the implementation of the server rack 1104 andseparate power rack 1108 assembly 1100 (assembly) are common with thoseoutlined herein for various implementations. One additional advantage ofthe assembly 1100 is the mobility of power component racks 1108. Forexample, when loads on a server rack 1104 require low current, only onepower component rack 1108 may be necessary. The additional powercomponent rack 1108 can be disconnected mechanically and electricallyfrom the server component rack 1104 in a first location, and moved to asecond location. Such mobility can free space in the first location.Another advantage of such mobility is the opportunity for servicing thebattery rack in the second location.

What has been described above includes examples of the implementations.It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combinationof components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimedsubject matter, but it is to be appreciated that many furthercombinations and permutations of the subject innovation are possible.Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all suchalterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spiritand scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the above description ofillustrated implementations of the subject disclosure, including what isdescribed in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limitthe disclosed implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Whilespecific implementations and examples are described herein forillustrative purposes, various modifications are possible that areconsidered within the scope of such implementations and examples, asthose skilled in the relevant art can recognize.

What is claimed is:
 1. A server rack, comprising: a plurality ofshelves, each shelve configured to secure at least one load; a first setof power supply modules, each power supply module configured to beremovable; a first vertical bus secured to the server rack andconfigured to distribute power from the first set of power supplymodules, wherein each power supply module of the first set of powersupply modules is coupled to the first vertical bus; a first set ofhorizontal buses, each horizontal bus of the first set of horizontalbuses conductively coupled between one power supply module of the firstset of power supply modules and the first vertical bus; and a second setof horizontal buses, each horizontal bus of the second set of horizontalbuses conductively coupled to the first vertical bus and configured toprovide power to each load.
 2. The server rack of claim 1, furthercomprising a second set of power supply modules, each power supplymodule configured to be removable; a second vertical bus secured to theserver rack and configured to distribute power from the second set ofpower supply modules, wherein each power supply module of the second setof power supply modules is coupled to the second vertical bus; and athird set of horizontal buses, each horizontal bus of the third set ofhorizontal buses conductively coupled between one power supply module ofthe second set of power supply modules and the first vertical bus;wherein each horizontal bus of the second set of horizontal buses isconnected to the first vertical bus and the second vertical bus.
 3. Theserver rack of claim 2, wherein the second vertical bus is coupled to aback side of the server rack and situated on an opposite side inrelation to the first vertical bus.
 4. The server rack of claim 3,wherein the first vertical bus and the second vertical bus areequidistant from first and second sides of the server rack.
 5. Theserver rack of claim 3, wherein there is an open space between ends ofthe first vertical bus and the second vertical bus that are closest toeach other.
 6. The server rack of claim 2, wherein distribution of powerto each load through the first vertical bus, the second vertical bus,the first set of horizontal buses, the second set of horizontal buses,and the third set of horizontal buses is configured to provide a uniformdistribution of reduced current density.
 7. The server rack of claim 1,wherein the first vertical bus is coupled to a back side of the serverrack and situated to one side of the server rack.
 8. The server rack ofclaim 1, wherein each power supply module distributes power to a loadthrough the first vertical bus using at least one power module bus andat least one load bus.
 9. The server rack of claim 1, wherein the atleast one load is a server.
 10. The server rack of claim 1, wherein eachpower supply module is hot swappable without interrupting operations ofa corresponding load.
 11. The server rack of claim 1, whereindistribution of power to each load through the first vertical bus, thefirst set of horizontal buses, and the second set of horizontal buses isconfigured to provide a uniform distribution of reduced current density.